Not enough dame in this 'Mame'

by Terry Byrne
Tuesday, May 6, 2003

"Mame" at North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, through May 18.

Mounting a successful production of "Mame" requires a larger-than-life performer in the title role. But in the North Shore Music Theatre's current production, director Barry Ivan neglects his leading lady in favor of creating some imaginative staging for the Beverly theater's in-the-round setting.

It's not that Beth McVey isn't good - she's perfectly competent, with a lovely singing voice, and she swishes about convincingly in an endless parade of gorgeous outfits designed by Susan E. Picinich.

But a musical built around a flamboyant woman who defies social conventions demands an actress who can fill the theater with personality and more, a feat McVey can't quite pull off.

"Mame" is one of those delightfully old-fashioned, feel-good musicals featuring a score chock full of familiar tunes. Patrick Dennis' fictionalized story of his orphaned youth focuses on his adventures with his eccentric Auntie Mame through the 1930s. With director Ivan's inviting staging, many numbers, including "Open a New Window," "We Need a Little Christmas" and the title song, practically become sing-alongs.

Ivan is one of the most adept directors to work in NSMT's sometimes challenging in-the-round setting, and "Mame" is no exception. His clever use of two turntables, a swing above the stage for "Open a New Window," and his imaginative choreography for production numbers always play to every angle of the audience. Dex Edwards' minimalist scenery creates a variety of settings, but the photographs hung above the stage are distracting rather than illuminating.

The surprising strength of this production comes from its supporting cast, especially Attleboro native Cindy Benson, who gives Patrick's nanny, Miss Gooch, some extra comic flair.

Also, both actors playing Patrick - Daniel Plimpton as the martini-mixing 10-year-old and Adam Monley as the grownup - are charming and relaxed, with Monley displaying a strong singing voice.

As Mame's pal, the hard-drinking actress Vera Charles, Lisa McMillan is adequate, but once again never brings any extra oomph to the part.

The second-act duet between Mame and Vera, "Bosom Buddies," which should be a show-stopper, elicits only polite applause.

Despite its sometimes heavy-handed lesson of tolerance, "Mame" is a light confection of a musical, requiring the sheer force of personality to keep it on track. Although Ivan makes some great choices for staging the show, by ignoring the acting requirements his "Mame" is acceptable but never inspiring.

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